NCJ Number
202148
Date Published
2003
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This report presents the challenges and successes of the Amachi program in Philadelphia, which seeks to mentor children who have a parent in prison.
Abstract
Chapter 1 offers an introduction to the Amachi program. The unique circumstances and needs of children who have a parent in prison are discussed and the importance of providing mentoring services to these children is underscored. Amachi’s partnership with faith-based community organizations and local churches to help with mentoring services has led to the motto, “People of Faith Mentoring Children of Promise.” The program began in Philadelphia and has expanded to include additional churches and a second program in a nearby city in Pennsylvania. Chapter 2 describes the Amachi model and the structure of the Philadelphia program. The basic structure involves partnerships with secular and faith-based institutions who recruit volunteers from congregations to mentor children of prisoners. Roles and responsibilities of the partners were clearly established and a data-collection system for matching mentors to children was implemented to ensure accountability. Chapter 3 describes the implementation of the Amachi model, including the strategies that were implemented for recruiting children, pastors, and volunteers. Engaging caregiver support, building partnerships, and the challenges of making matches are discussed. Chapter 4 explores the experiences of the mentors and the children. The particular challenges and successes of the matches are outlined. Finally, chapter 5 offers concluding remarks regarding lessons learned from the Philadelphia program. Among the lessons is the fact that there are four essential elements for a successful mentoring program: structure, management, commitment, and resources. Endnotes, references, appendix, tables